Colorado Officer Killed Serving Eviction Notice Identified

February 25, 2016

(BAILEY, Colo.) — The Colorado officer killed by a man who fired at police while being served with an eviction notice Wednesday has been identified, according to the Park County Sheriff’s Office. The alleged shooter, who was killed by police, has also been identified.

Cpl. Nate Carrigan — one of three officers on the scene — was shot by the suspect, Martin Wirth, of Bailey, Colorado, and died at the scene, according to Undersheriff Monte Gore. Carrigan was a 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.

Master Patrol Deputy Kolby Martin, an 11-year veteran, was shot multiple times in the lower extremities, and 21-year veteran Capt. Mark Hancock was grazed in the ear, Gore said.

Martin was hospitalized, but his condition was not clear.

According to Gore, the scene unfolded Wednesday at 9:48 a.m. local time, when the uniformed officers were serving Wirth at his residence with the eviction order.

“Sheriff Wegener arrived on scene just as patrol officers were about to make contact with the party living at the residence,” Gore said. “Wirth came out on his deck, paused, and then went back inside. Officers quickly followed Wirth inside the residence, as they entered, Wirth fired upon them. Officers returned fire.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Corporal Carrigan’s family and friends at this time,” Gore added. “The response from our brother and sister Law Enforcement agencies, and our community, is truly heartwarming and overwhelming.”